Scouting the Prairie Stars: UIS has as many points scored as points allowed, suggesting its record should be somewhat better. Each of the Prairie Stars' setbacks have come by 12 points or less with an average margin of defeat of eight points in those games. Dylan Sparkman, a 6-foot-10 sophomore forward, leads the team at 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. UIS shoots just 31.4 percent from 3-point range but is at a respectable 73.9 percent from the free-throw line. Senior guard Kyle Gupton and junior guard Regan Bruenger, a Southeastern graduate who played two years at John Wood, are chipping in 10 points per game.

Lid lifter: The game serves as the GLVC opener for both teams. The Hawks and Prairie Stars have both lost their last two conference openers.The series: The series is tied 3-3. -- Blake Toppmeyer